Speaker Bagbin’s Visit to Côte d’Ivoire Strengthens Ties between Ghana and Ivory Coast-Jomoro MP
Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, recently led a high-level delegation to Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing the already strong relations between the two countries.
The visit, which took place during the first ordinary session of the Ivorian National Assembly, highlighted the enduring cultural, historical, and economic bonds that both nations share.
Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, shared her reflections on the visit in a statement delivered in Ghana’s Parliament. She noted that the experience provided valuable insights into the Ivorian way of life, which enriched the delegation’s understanding of the region.
Hon. Affo-Toffey praised Speaker Bagbin’s leadership in fostering positive relationships with sister Parliaments, citing his recent re-election as President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) as further evidence of his diplomatic success.
The visit was marked by a special invitation from Ivorian Parliament President, Mr. Adama Bictogo, who welcomed Speaker Bagbin to the National Assembly.
She said Speaker Bagbin addressed the assembly, calling for enhanced parliamentary diplomacy and closer collaboration between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire which he emphasized the importance of mutual interest and cooperation, particularly in advancing good governance, accountability, and the overall well-being of citizens in both nations.
The Ghanaian community shared their thoughts with the Speaker on how to strengthen ties between the two countries. Members of the diaspora expressed pride in their heritage and a desire to contribute to Ghana’s development while living abroad.
One of the key issues raised during the meeting was the implementation of the Representation of the People’s Amendment Law (ROPAL), which would allow Ghanaians living abroad, including those in Côte d’Ivoire, the right to vote in national elections. The community urged Ghana’s Parliament to prioritize the implementation of this law, which has been delayed since its passage in 2006.
Additionally, the Ghanaian community expressed concerns about the high costs associated with acquiring essential documents such as passports, consular cards, and identity cards. They called on the government to review the fees for passport renewal and replacement, which they claimed are a financial burden on many Ghanaians residing in Côte d’Ivoire.
According to the MP, another pressing issue highlighted was the rise of illegal human trafficking, particularly in border areas between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire., a situation Citizens shared their experiences of individuals being lured to Côte d’Ivoire under the false promise of traveling to Europe, only to be coerced into fraudulent activities.
The community appealed for greater collaboration between the Ghanaian and Ivorian authorities to address this growing menace.
Hon. Affo-Toffey concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong connections with Ghana’s diaspora, calling for policies that address their needs and harness their potential for national development. She urged the Ghanaian Parliament to prioritize initiatives that would ensure stronger collaboration between the government and its citizens living abroad.
Several members of Parliament who contributed to the discussion also highlighted the need for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to establish common economic interests to benefit the citizens of both nations. Others raised concerns about language barriers, which they believe hinder trade and cooperation between the two countries, urging the need for a more concerted effort to overcome these challenges.
The visit to Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, and the vital role of the Ghanaian diaspora in strengthening the ties between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Source: Felix Nyaaba//expressnewsghana.com